U.S. Squad Arrives in Pasadena to Take on Four-Time World Cup Champions Brazil at the Rose Bowl on Saturday

NewsMar 1, 2001

PASADENA, Calif, (Thursday, March 1, 2001)
- The United States Men's National Team arrived in Pasadena, California, today, less than 24-hours after its historic World Cup qualifying victory over Mexico to prepare for the upcoming match against four-time World Cup champions Brazil. The Brazil match, which will televised live to a national television audience on ABC, will kick off at 1:00 p.m. at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, March 3.

The USA will be led by Josh Wolff and Clint Mathis, who each came off the bench in Wednesday's match to spark the team to victory. Wolff scored the game winner and set up the insurance goal, while Mathis stepped in for injured captain and playmaker Claudio Reyna to direct the offense.

Other notables on the squad include Los Angeles Galaxy star Cobi Jones, who extended his American appearance record to 137 games on Wednesday, and goalkeeper Tony Meola, who led the Kansas City Wizards to the MLS championship in 2000. Also on the team are a pair of the USA's brightest young stars, 17-year-old D.C. United midfielder Bobby Convey and 18-year-old Redlands, California, native Landon Donovan.

Injuries took their toll on the U.S. team in the Mexico match, forcing head coach Bruce Arena to travel with just 16 players for the Brazil game. In addition to Reyna, who suffered a left groin strain before exiting the match in the 43rd minute, the USA will be without forward Brian McBride, who was forced out in the 15th minute after suffering a knock above his right eye, making the way for Wolff to enter the game. Midfielder Ben Olsen will also be absent from the U.S. lineup after suffering an ankle injury prior to the Mexico match.

United States Men's National Team Roster
International Friendly vs. Brazil